Additional menu

Rescue Alert releases a mobile alert system, and a lot of confusion

Does it dial 911? Or a monitoring center? See if you can figure it out.

Rescue Alert of California, a medical alarm company that sells what I call the “standard base station speakerphone” medical alert, has announced that it now has an add-on device that works outside the home, anywhere you can get a cell signal.

But in the process, they’ve completely confused me.

This device, the RA911, uses the same technology as a mobile phone and a single press of the button activates the alarm and connects the user with the Rescue Alert monitoring center. It has a built in speaker and microphone.

The press release about the product makes no mention of GPS capabilities. Neither does the detail page on website (http://rescuealertofca.com/ra-911), but that page does say, “However, the advantage with the mobile device is that once the senior presses the panic button, the response and monitoring center will be able to track the exact location of the subscriber. This is important especially in cases in which the senior figures in an accident and is unconscious or unable to speak.”

It’s not clear to me whether this device actually as location capability, or how it would work (through the cell system, perhaps?).

It’s also not clear to me why it’s called the “RA-911” when it doesn’t call 911.

In fact, it soon gets more confusing. The press release mentioned above is from the “Rescue Alert of California” company. It describes the device as connecting you to the monitoring center.

However, the “Rescue Alert” website describes the product this way:

“With the RA 911 emergency cell phone, you will receive convenient, quick, and reliable access to 911 services whenever and wherever you need them. The small cell device is only 3.5 x 2 x 1 inch, which makes it convenient to take it with you on-the-go, and the two-way voice RA 911 allows you to communicate with 911 services in an emergency with just a push of a button.”

Clear yet?

These are the kinds of confusing bits of information that make it harder for me to trust that a system has really been carefully thought through and is being marketed to people with the highest standards for clear communication.

If you’re looking for much clearer information on what alert system is right for you, take a look at this page.